The US has been identified as the leading international airmail destination for festive greetings from the UK in 2015. 

This is according to the findings of a new forecast report from Royal Mail, which revealed that the other top five locations were the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Canada and France. 

Customers of the letter and parcel carrier are reminded to check the last recommended posting dates for international destinations if they wish for their items to arrive in time for Christmas. 

For the US, the last date for sending cards or gifts to arrive in time for December 25th is December 15th. 

The earliest airmail recommended posting date to Africa and Middle East is December 4th, while the Republic of Ireland date is December 16th and mail to the Low Countries, Denmark, Norway, Slovakia and Switzerland can be posted as late as December 18th.